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The random number generator is used to determine a Pokémon's [[personality value]] and individual values when it is encountered or [[Pokémon Egg|rece]][[Gift Pokémon|ived]]. By searching for initial seeds that satisfy the characteristics required, the player can then hit the target seed and advance 'frames' to receive their target characteristics. There are several methods used to influence a Pokémon's characteristics — for instance, a bred Pokémon and a stationary wild Pokémon's characteristics are generated through different methods.

In Generation [[Generation III]] and [[Generation IV]], there are some limitations. As a player's [[Trainer ID|Trainer ID and Secret ID]] numbers determine a Pokémon's shininess, Shiny Pokémon generated through certain methods can only have certain individual values. Due to [[Wonder Card]] gifts using a timer register to create personality values, it is not possible to manipulate a gift's Nature. In [[Generation V]], this is no longer the case as the individual values and personality values are determined from two different RNGs.

In the Pokémon fandom, RNG abuse is slightly controversial. Proponents note that RNG abuse does not require a third-party device and that the Pokémon obtained through RNG abuse can be obtained through normal gameplay. In addition, Pokémon obtained through RNG abuse have been used at the {{DL|Play! Pokémon|Video Game Championships}}, an official tournament. However, some players believe that RNG abuse is cheating, as the action of picking a Pokémon's characteristics is similar to using a [[cheating]] device.